DNR officer dies in the line of duty near Grand Rapids
May 25, 2021 03:56AM ● By Editor
From WDIO-TV - May 24, 2021
A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer died in the line of duty Monday morning following a two-vehicle crash near Grand Rapids.
Monday evening, the DNR identified her as Sarah Grell of Cohasset. She was 39 years old.
According to the DNR, Grell was stationed in Grand Rapids. She leaves behind a husband and three children. She served as a DNR officer since 2005, and was part of a proud family legacy of conservation officers. Her uncle, father, and grandfather also had this role, and her husband, Gene, works for DNR's Forestry Division. Her mother worked for DNR Fisheries until her retirement.
Grell is the 23rd conservation officer to die in the line of duty. Funeral arrangements are pending.
“The sense of loss we feel right now is indescribable,” DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said. “We are heartbroken for her family. Our deepest sympathies and concerns are with them. Officer Grell leaves behind an incredible legacy of service to Minnesota’s people and natural resources.”
“Officer Grell was the epitome of a public servant and served the Enforcement Division, the DNR, and the people of Minnesota with distinction,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, DNR Enforcement Division director. “Her loss is devastating, and we ask the people of Minnesota to keep Officer Grell and her family in their thoughts during this difficult time.”
Conservation officers have protected Minnesota’s natural resources and people since 1887. Officer Grell is the 23rd Minnesota conservation officer to die in the line of duty. Funeral arrangements are still being made.
Governor Tim Walz also sent a statement that read, “Gwen and I extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Officer Sarah Grell, especially her husband, DNR Forester Gene Grell, and their children. Officer Grell came from a long line of DNR Conservation Officers, including her father, uncle, and grandfather. In keeping with the family tradition, Officer Grell was committed to protecting both our state’s natural resources as well as those who enjoy them. We are grateful for her service and the service of all our Conservation Officers who make our state a great place to live. My ask of Minnesotans is that the next time you meet a Conservation Officer as you enjoy Minnesota’s public lands and waters, remember Officer Grell and thank that officer for their work.”
The Governor has ordered all flags in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings on the day of Officer Sarah Grell’s interment, to be announced at a forthcoming date.
The state patrol report said Grell was driving a pickup truck north on County Road 336, and was hit by a semi heading east on County Road 57. This was around 8:30am on Monday.
The name of the 42-year-old driver of the semi is being released Tuesday evening. His hometown is listed as Grand Rapids.
To see the original report and read related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website. https://www.wdio.com/news/line-of-duty-death-dnr-conservation-officer/6120199/?cat=10335
